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Arrest made in killing of 71-year-old man who interrupted a crime, Broomfield police say

The victim was found deceased following a report of a disturbance around 6:30 a.m. on Sunridge Circle.

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 71-year-old Broomfield man who had interrupted a crime, according to the Broomfield Police Department (BPD).

Joseph Maestas-Sanchez was taken into custody on Thursday, BPD said.

The agency said the shooting happened at a home in the 2200 block of Sunridge Circle near Highway 287 and Miramonte Boulevard.

Initial 911 calls came in around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, for a report of a disturbance where shots were fired, BPD said. 

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Officers arrived in the area and located a deceased adult man, identified as 71-year-old Michael Lewis of Broomfield by the Adams County Coroner's Office.

The initial investigation indicates Lewis was a resident of Sunridge Circle who was shot while interrupting a crime, according to BPD.

Police said that several vehicle trespassing incidents were also reported in the area early Wednesday.  

Investigators believe Lewis was shot when he attempted to confront the suspect who was attempting to enter unlocked vehicles in the area. Additional details will remain under investigation and are not available for public release at this time. 

Credit: BPD
Joseph Maestas-Sanchez

Maestas-Sanchez is being held at the Broomfield Detention Center, without bond, pending the filing of formal charges by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. 

Detectives continue to investigate this case and have identified additional suspects believed to be responsible for the criminal trespass crimes in the same area. The number of additional suspects, and their names, are being withheld because the investigation into their involvement is ongoing. 

>Video below: Broomfield Police provide update on deadly shooting

Anyone who has information about this homicide is asked to call the BPD tip line at 303-464-5749. They can also remain anonymous by contacting Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

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